British Prime Minister to Attend NATO Summit in Ankara

The outgoing British prime minister will travel to Ankara on Tuesday for a NATO summit expected to address defense spending targets and alliance commitments. Downing Street said the prime minister and other leaders would focus on building a stronger and more European NATO.

The UK government rejected criticism that some allies are doing more than others, stating the country has met its NATO spending commitments.

The summit is expected to be the last international trip of the current prime minister's term. Officials said the UK contribution to NATO will not waver and defense spending will rise to 2.7% of GDP by 2027-28. Whitehall officials expressed concern the prime minister could be sidelined at the meeting. The incoming prime minister is currently in talks with the civil service on transition plans.

Street reported a 30% increase in Russian vessels threatening UK waters over the past two years. NATO has scrambled fighter jets more than 700 times to intercept Russian aircraft approaching allied airspace. The prime minister will attend main group sessions and may meet other leaders on the sidelines.

Officials said a series of defense industry announcements, including joint projects with allies, are planned.